Programme          Programme Committee 

Fluid power is one of the main fields of mechanical engineering. Hydraulic systems have several physical advantages, such as high power density, compactness and easy to achieve linear motion. Pneumatic systems are characterized

by the clean, environmentally friendly air  operation and the simple control circuitry. These and more reasons enable pneumatic to be integrated in many linear and rotary applications for a low cost. In combination with microelectronic and modern sensors, it is possible to built highly capable, powerful and compact hydraulic and pneumatic mechatronic systems.

Fluid power components and systems can be found in all automation applications. Germany’s technology leadership in fluid power has resulted in a rapid and far-above-average growth of this industry with a high demand for research services as well as well-trained engineers.

The Institute of Fluid Power (IFD) at the ‘Technische Universität Dresden’, was founded in 1997 by the professorship of hydraulics and pneumatics. Led by Professor Jürgen Weber current issues of fluid mechatronic systems engineering will be explored in close cooperation with partners from industry and other universities. The 28 employees of the Institute's perform research in a number of basic and application-oriented topics and support the training of young engineers with new techniques and practical knowledge.

The IFD Team

The Institute is part of a network of universities and non-academic research collaboration partners, such as the Network of Fluid Power Centres in Europe (FPCE). The IFD hosts the to International Fluid Power Conference (IFK) in collaboration with the Institute for Fluid Power Drives and Controls (IFAS) of the RWTH Aachen University and the Association of German Machine and Plant Engineering (VDMA). The IFK is the world's most important conference in the field of fluid power drive train and control technology. The IFK alternates every 2 years between Aachen and Dresden since 1998.

The IFD is working in close cooperation with companies in the industry with regards to teaching and research - this applies to both manufactures and end-users. It offers students an academic education in the basics as well as in key application areas of hydraulic and pneumatic drives, control and systems technology. The practical relevance of the taught material is supported by the involvement of experts from the industry into parts of the courses.

Current topics of the industrial development are supported by the research at the institute. Examples include the integration of electronic components into innovative drive concepts in order to improve energy efficiency of stationary and portable applications, or for improving and testing safety concepts. Simulation tools are used for improving the properties of valves and pumps, to reduce noise and to improve the behavior of systems.

Teaching Activities using Test Rigs

The complex interactions resulting from the multi disciplinary-character of fluid power and its applications, offer the next generation of scientists, students, as well as PhD students new and interesting tasks and provide the opportunity for a wide range of scientific and technical training with excellent career opportunities.

Additional Pictures of the IFD Laboratory